Adventures in Low Carb Cooking

I thought I'd share some fun recipes I've been experimenting with as I try to control my blood sugar through diet.

It's been an adventure.  :)
First up, DIY chocolate.  I've confessed before how much I love chocolate.  However, store bought chocolate has lots of sugar.  And I quickly learned, that most sugar substitutes don't play well with my digestive system.  What's a girl to do?

For the first couple weeks, I was in bad shape without internet access.  I hit a point where nothing sounded good, and I'd get nauseous just looking at more protein on my plate.  When I finally had a computer again, (thanks, Dad!), I looked up recipes like crazy.  I found a few bloggers that I am so grateful for.  I also learned about alternative ingredients that I can make good food with.

First up, Chocolate Covered Katie.  Katie has a recipe for Three Ingredient Chocolate Bars.

I've made these several times, and I'll share my version.

Melt 4 Tablespoons Coconut Oil.  Mix in 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon cocoa.  Add 2 Tablespoons Agave syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 10 drops stevia.  Mix together well.

Pour into a shallow dish, and cool in refrigerator.  Later, cut into small chunks to use in recipes.

I've learned that I don't like the stevia aftertaste without a little vanilla.  There is some controversy about agave and it's sugar content, but I find it doesn't affect my blood sugar too much.

Next wonderful blog, Maria's Nutritious and Delicious Journal.  Let me preface this by first saying that I am still working on building up a low-carb pantry, and have more recipes I want to try when I can obtain some more ingredients.

These are Maria's Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chunk Muffins.

I've used a few substitutions.  I've been using Truvia for baking, since I could purchase it at our local grocery store.  I also used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and almond flour rather than peanut flour.  They are so good!  I just used regular size muffin cups, and they've been a yummy treat this week.

Some other fun recipes I've tried with success:

• Cinnamon Toast Pancakes via Dr. Oz
• Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes from Maria's Healthy and Delicious Journal
• Four Ingredient Protein Bars from Beyond the Peel
• Dairy Free Chocolate Pudding from Delighted Momma (although this was a little too rich for me, I had to dilute the pudding with some Greek yogurt.)

Once I have some other good low-carb ingredients like whey powder and psyllium husk powder, I'll be trying some more recipes.  I'm learning a new way to eat, and thankfully feeling better.

Oh, and FYI, if you are interested in purchasing almond flour, the best place to buy that I've found is in the bulk section at Winco Food Stores.  I wish these ingredients were less expensive, but I'm working with what I've got.

I've also learned that coconut oil is awesome for my hair and skin...bonus!